Permeability semivariograms, geological structure, and flow performance

Clastic sediments may have a strong deterministic component to their permeability variation. This structure may be seen in the experimental semivariogram, but published geostatislical studies have not always exploited this feature during data analysis and covariance modeling. In this paper, we describe sedimentary organization, its importance for flow modeling, and how the semivariogram can be used for identification of structure. Clastic sedimentary structure occurs at several scales and is linked to the conditions of deposition. Lamination, bed, and bedset scales show repetitive and trend features that should be sampled carefully to assess the degree of organization and levels of heterogeneity. Interpretation of semivariograms is undertaken best with an appreciation of these geological units und how their features relate to the sampling program. Sampling at inappropriate intervals or with instruments having a large measurement volume, for example, may give misleading semivariograms. Flow simulations for models which include and ignore structure show that the repetitive features in permeability can change anisotropy and recovery performance significantly. If systematic variation is present, careful design of the permeability fields therefore is important particularly to preserve the structure effects.